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THE LAST PIG is a feature-length documentary that follows the remarkable story of Bob Comis, a humane pig farmer, and his journey beyond the slaughterhouse. This groundbreaking film is a celebration of life, courage and compassion.
In bittersweet detail, THE LAST PIG captures Bob’s final year of farming pigs, the joy of caring for these sentient beings, the anguish of taking them to slaughter, the search for sanctuary, and the ghosts that will haunt him forever. After ten years of farming pigs, Comis turns his life inside out, risking everything to stop the slaughter and plant the seeds of a garden instead.
“Each of these pigs, if I could only ask them in a way they comprehend, would choose to live rather than die.” -- Bob Comis
Through his soul-baring prose (published on the Dodo and Huffington Post) Bob Comis has inspired a loyal following, moving others to question the treatment of non-human beings. Now THE LAST PIG brings his compelling story to the screen.
THE LAST PIG puts the ethics of animal farming into personal and sharp focus. While following Comis through the seasons as his life evolves, the film invites viewers to consider their own beliefs—and the cost their choices have on others and the environment.
In much of our society, there is a vast disconnect between what we eat and the source of that food. THE LAST PIG will help repair that disconnect and inspire compassion for ALL living beings. Through the intimacy of Comis' story, this unique film has the power to reach the uninitiated: viewers who have not yet contemplated these critical issues.
WHY HELP?
Your support goes beyond the downloads, DVDs, or any of the cool perks we offer. By supporting this film, you are taking a stand against animal suffering and environmental degradation, while supporting compassion and equality for all. Together, we’re not just creating a movie, we are propelling a movement—one of the most important social justice movements of our time. Join us in this campaign and you will also be supporting the most critical phase of this film: taking it to completion so it can be seen by the world.
WHERE WE ARE TODAY
Using our own funds (and with support from a small group of donors) we have completed eight shoots, following Bob’s story through the seasons. With only one shoot to go, THE LAST PIG is 'in the can' and ready for the edit! But having spent thousands from our own pockets, we’re tapped out. We need your help to get through this next phase.
HOW WILL $50,000 MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
$50,000 will finance our final shoot and allow us to bring on a seasoned editor who can help assemble the most powerful story possible. With your support, we’ll have a fine cut of the film by early summer (in other words, the story editing will be done). With a fine cut we’ll be able to submit THE LAST PIGto broadcasters, like PBS, and film festivals, like Sundance. Once a broadcaster or major film festival is attached, we should be able to raise the finishing funds to complete the film and share it with audiences around the world.
OUR LONG-TERM GOALS
★ Screen the film at film festivals, on television, in community screenings and theaters ★ Work with animal rights and educational organizations, sanctuaries, grassroots community groups, and religious groups to develop a toolkit which can be used to educate both adults and young people. ★ Encourage open dialogue about compassion, the value of life, and the impact of animal farming on both the lives of sentient beings and the environment.
MEET THE TEAM
Bob, Allison, Joe -- and Monk!
Allison Argo: Director/Producer THE LAST PIG is directed and produced by six-time Emmy winner and noted animal advocate Allison Argo. During the past 20 years, Argo's films have won over 100 awards internationally and reach audiences worldwide. Argo is know for her emotionally charged and deeply personal films, particularly her intimate portraits of endangered and abused animals. Working primarily with National Geographic and PBS, her films have given voice to those who cannot speak for themselves, from exploited apes to displaced elephants. Through THE LAST PIG she hopes to inspire compassion for all living beings and repair the disconnect between humans and what we consume. www.ArgoFilms.com
Joseph Brunette: Producer/Cinematographer Producer and Director of Photography, Joseph Brunette, is an award-winning cinematographer whose work has appeared on National Geographic, CNN, PBS, NOVA, Nature, Discovery and History Channel. His work has taken him around the world, enabling him to combine his passions for beauty and justice. Brunette has an ability to capture the essence of even the most poignant moments, and his sensitive work behind the camera enables a level of intimacy and honesty that reveals the vulnerable heart of any story. THE LAST PIG holds special meaning for Brunette, who has long been an advocate for animals and the environment. www.JosephBrunette.com
HOW TO DONATE
When you support THE LAST PIG, you can choose to receive one of our AWESOME PERKS! For this campaign to be successful, we must raise $50,000 by November 9. We’re confident that, with your support and your help in spreading the word, we will get there!
LOW RISK : During the past 18 months, Joe and Allison have worked in the field, capturing the changing seasons as Bob's story has evolved.The filming is nearly done—and we've already shouldered most of the risk With nearly 40 years of shared experience, we're familiar with the challenges that come with making a film. Between our shared skills and professional networks, we are ready to carry THE LAST PIG to the finish line!
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP
If you can’t afford to make a financial contribution, there are other important ways you can help. Here's how you can help build awareness about THE LAST PIG:
a) send this Indiegogo linkto your friends and colleagues b) join our Facebook page c) sign up for our mailing list on our websiteand receive periodic updates d) follow us on Twitter& Instagram — retweet, repost and share, share, share! e) talk about the project to everyone you know! f) write a blog about the film!
Through this special film, we're excited to be able to change hearts and minds. We hope you'll join us as we move forward towards the finish line. We still have a ways to go, but with your support the end is in clear view. Together we will make a difference!!
A WEEKEND ON CAPE COD WITH US! This is the beautiful house where you'll spend 3 nights on Cape Cod! The entire house will be yours to enjoy with three of your BFFs (or by yourself if you prefer :). The studio next door is where we'll give you a sneak peek at some of our footage!
WEEKEND IN PIGADISE + Veggies!! This is where you'll stay at the Catskill Animal Sanctuary! It's gorgeous!!
We are absolutely over the moon with excitement and gratitude!! THE LAST PIG edit room will soon be up and running, thanks to you!!
Despite the fact that we've reached our goal, important support is continuing to flow in for THE LAST PIG and we couldn't be happier!! Once the edit is complete, we'll be facing additional finishing costs, and any support beyond our original goal will help us cover these costs!! We've created a dandy pie chart to explain exactly where all additional funds will go. PLEASE HELP US STRRRRRETCH!!!
Thank you one and all for supporting THE LAST PIG and helping to get its message out there! We couldn't do this without you!!
xx Allison, Joe, and Bob _________________________________
November 9, 2015 from Allison
This morning I finally had time to sit down at my edit table. I’ve been dying to weave some particularly beautiful footage Joe shot a year ago into a short sequence. It was a crisp autumn day, the kind of day pigs love the most. I remember they were absolutely joyous, celebratory. I was looking forward to finally playing with the footage. I sat down with my coffee and began to scroll through the shots.
And then I noticed him. In shot after shot he popped up like a ghost determined to be remembered. I studied his face, picking through every sequence, every shot. And of course…I remembered.
Yes, I remember you. You were the pig that picked up a stick like a yellow lab and threw it into the air so you could chase it again and again. You were the pig giddy with joy, savoring every drop of that fall afternoon, throwing your head back and opening your mouth to take in the mingled scent of leaves, earth, and roots. You were the pig that ran in circles, kicking up the dust with your pointy hooves, until you fell over dizzy, in an ecstatic heap. You were the pig that made me smile so hard my cheeks hurt.
In almost every shot, silhouetted against the autumn sun and orange-gold leaves, there he was.
In the footage, his spirit is so alive, he is here with me - or so it seems. My breath is shallow, my head hung, a drop of salt and water on the “L” key. Tears of regret. Remorse. Longing to jump back one year ago, to rewrite the chapter that followed that glorious October day. To bring that joyous life back to being, so that he can run in the woods once more.
In our last interview with Bob, he said something that is still ringing in my ears: “I would give up every single moment I shared with the pigs just to bring one of them back.”
Looking for more information?Check the project
FAQ
Enjoy your very own copy of THE LAST PIG! Plus, we'll be sure to give you a SNOUT-OUT and SPECIAL UPDATES for being a supporter!
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Ships worldwide.
OINKS OF GRATITUDE!
$10 USD
Our everlasting GRATITUDE that you have supported THE LAST PIG, a public SNOUT-OUT and SPECIAL UPDATES for being a supporter!!
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STREAM THE LAST PIG
$25 USD
You'll receive your own link to watch the film online, + a SNOUT-OUT + SPECIAL UPDATES for being a supporter!
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LOOT-FREE PIGGY PACKAGE
$75 USD
For those who don't want the swag but would like to help! You will FEED NIBLET FOR A WEEK (she’s still a growing girl with a BIG appetite) PLUS you'll receive a personal stream of the film! Plus, a SNOUT-OUT and SPECIAL UPDATES!! NIBLET thanks you!!!!
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PIGS FOR PEACE + DVD
$85 USD
You will receive a signed hardback copy of GREAT PEACEMAKERS! Winner of more than 30 book awards and endorsed by three Presidents + three Nobel Peace Prize winners, this inspiring book features 20 individuals who've made peace their life choice (including Mahatma Gandhi). Signed by the authors, Heather Chase & Ken Beller! You will also receive a DVD of THE LAST PIG, a SNOUT-OUT and SPECIAL UPDATES!!
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10 DVD SUSTAINABLE HERO
$250 USD
Superhero Thank YOU! And, you get 10 DVDs to give as gifts to friends! Imagine being able to share this powerful film widely through your community by donating copies to local libraries or schools!
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LET'S HANGOUT
$250 USD
We want to VIDEO CHAT with you! You’ll get a one-on-one Skype or Google Hangout with director Allison Argo and Cinematographer Joe Brunette so you can ask questions about the film, filmmaking, pigs, whatever you like! Plus, you'll receive your own link to watch the film online, a SNOUT-OUT + SPECIAL UPDATES for being a supporter!
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LIMITED EDITON BOOK!
$250 USD
This stunning book includes Bob Comis' most powerful essays about pigs and his decision to leave pig farming. Accompanying Bob’s striking prose about compassion and the value life are beautiful photos, all shot while filming THE LAST PIG. This 20 page, hardback book will be a collector's item, since only 40 will be printed. You will also receive three DVD's of THE LAST PIG.
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A WEEKEND ON CAPE COD WITH US
$2,500 USD
Spend three nights in your own lovely house on Cape Cod (sleeps four), have dinner with the director, AND glimpse a sneak peak of some edited scenes from the film!!! The rest of the weekend is yours to enjoy the Cape (must be used before June 1 or after Sept. 15, 2017).
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PUBLIC SCREENING with Q&A!!
$3,000 USD
Organize a public screening of THE LAST PIG in your community! You’ll get a one-time public performance license, screening kit with digital posters, two DVDs, AND director Allison Argo & cinematographer Joe Brunette will join you via Skype or Google Hangout for a one-hour Q&A with your audience! This is a great gift for a meetup, fundraiser, or community group!
